"While many fans in the UK ponder the early-season fortunes of their clubs, or perhaps debate selection for the imminent autumn internationals, the qualifying battle for the 2027 Rugby World Cup rages on. Chile sealed their second consecutive appearance at the tournament with a sensational playoff win against Samoa last month, leaving a single spot to be won for Australia in two years' time."
"There are plenty of moving parts and subplots. Hong Kong China sealed their first qualification after beating Korea 70-22 in July, while Zimbabwe will return to rugby union's most prestigious stage for the first time since 1991 by virtue of winning the Rugby Africa Cup. The knock-on effect of Chile's playoff success, meanwhile, is that Los Condores will play Italy for the first time next month in the autumn internationals, due to Samoa's pressing appointment in Dubai."
Chile secured a second consecutive Rugby World Cup berth with a playoff win over Samoa and will face Italy in the autumn internationals. Paraguay upset Brazil 39-19 in the first leg of their playoff, with the return match in Jacarei set to determine the final qualification place. Brazil's men seek first-time World Cup qualification despite the recent dismissal of head coach Emiliano Caffera. Namibia, Belgium and Samoa are confirmed for the Dubai qualification tournament from 8–18 November. Hong Kong China achieved their first qualification by beating Korea 70-22, and Zimbabwe returned to the tournament by winning the Rugby Africa Cup. More than 20,000 watched Chile's win in Vina del Mar, and coach Pablo Lemoine has led steady progress since 2018.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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